Welcome back everyone! As promised, the next topic of this series blog is on the five levels of influence. Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward have developed a framework of their own based on the insight of the great experts John C. Maxwell and Jim Collins. The five levels of the hierarchy in ascending order are as follows: (1) learning, (2) performing, (3) leading, (4) developing leaders, and (5) developing developers of leaders. Each level is broken down to an art and science summary.The only way to even graduate from Level 1 and move up is if leaders have mastered the fundamentals of learning. Even then is learning a consistent way of life in order for a leader to survive. A leader’s competency should be obvious to all that surround him or her and continue to develop the skill sets that are critical for carrying out the challenges ahead. Once this level has been achieved then the leader advances to Level 2.
Level 2 is becoming a performer, which is a prerequisite to becoming a real leader. Performance is what gives a leader their credibility to actually be called one. Many would-be leaders miss the step of performing and assume that with a position given in authority people will follow them. This is actually referred to as managing, not leading. This significance must be realized in order to move on to Level 3.
“A true leader inspires others to lead themselves.” – Ari D. Kaplan
Level 3 is leading, which is actually what this whole topic has been about, but this particular level is based on the ability to increase influence through the leadership of other people. This level requires a certain mindset and perspective. To be effective here a leader must achieve results through all sources available; therefore, becoming a resourceful asset to any team or organization. The leverage obtained here becomes amplified as the leader moves on to Level 4.
Level 4 deals with the leader’s ability to increase his influence through the development of other leaders. Level 4 leaders continue to thrive as the three previous levels, but here they become coaches of other Level 3 leaders. Brady and Woodwardshare an old saying about prosperity, “If you want one year’s prosperity, grow grain, but if you want ten year’s prosperity, grow men and women.” Basically, it is the business of replacing oneself and having others seek your mentorship and guidance to grow their own abilities in leadership.
At the last level, Level 5 is the pinnacle that only the strongest, humblest, most secure, and visionary leaders reach. This type of leader has commanded and developed Level 4 leaders most effectively, while also obtaining true legacy and innovations. Results are shown at this level through the endurance and succession of the leader’s vision.
Hope you enjoyed learning a brief synopsis of the Five Levels of Leadership. In the next blog, I will discuss the leading of people. Also, make sure to follow Gumption Entertainment on Facebook and Twitter, and also subscribe to our blog today.
